Comedian Colbert pursues possible Super PAC

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Political satirist Steven Colbert filed initial documents on Friday that could be a step on the way to setting up a political action committee.

Colbert appeared at the Federal Election Commission with his lawyer shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time while as many as 300 of his supporters waited for him outside, according to an FEC spokeswoman.

The document submitted, an advisory opinion request, is a formal request for legal guidance on whether or not a particular course of action would violate laws regarding elections.

Within 60 days, the Commission should get back to the applicant with an answer.

If given the green light, Colbert could develop a PAC and raise money to be what he called on his show a political player in 2012.

Colbert's television efforts make pointed jabs at the structure of campaign financing, as well as directing satire at large media groups, prominent political pundits, and political interest organizations.

In October Colbert and fellow satirist Jon Stewart drew tens of thousands of people to a weekend event in Washington that was part variety show, part Halloween celebration and part political rally to call for common sense before the November congressional elections.